Inflatable cruising device

ABSTRACT

An inflatable cruising device comprising an inflatable body having an axial channel defined therethrough adapted to operatively engage a steering and propelling system capable of allowing a user to propel and steer the inflatable body in an aquatic setting.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/543,754, filed Feb. 11, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable cruising device capable of being steered and propelled by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflatable devices for recreational use in water are well known in the art. Typically, prior art inflatable devices comprise a hollow inflatable body configured to have different shapes, such as animals, rafts and the like. A user normally inflates the inflatable device and may use it as a floatation apparatus while swimming in a pool. However, such inflatable devices lack any type of means for propelling and steering the inflatable device around the pool area in order to enhance the experience of the user.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an inflatable water cruising device comprising an inflatable body adapted to operatively engage a steering and propelling system to allow a user to propel and steer the inflatable body along a body of water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable cruising device comprising an inflatable body having a channel defined therethrough and a steering and a propelling system operatively engageable with the inflatable body through the channel, wherein the steering and the propelling system permits the inflatable body to be steered and propelled by the user.

According to one aspect, the present invention comprises an inflatable cruising device having an inflatable body having an axial channel and a steering and propelling system adapted to operatively engage the inflatable body through the axial channel. The steering and propelling system includes a motor arrangement operatively engaged with a propeller for driving the inflatable body and further including a steering member operatively engaged to the motor arrangement for steering the inflatable body, wherein the steering and propelling system permit the inflatable body to be steered and propelled by a user.

According to another aspect, the present invention comprises a method of assembling an inflatable water cruising device by providing an inflatable body defining an axial channel, and a steering and propelling system comprising a steering member and a motor arrangement; inserting a bushing through the axial channel; inserting a portion of the motor arrangement through the inserted bushing; and mounting the steering member to the portion of the motor arrangement in order to operatively engage the steering member with the motor arrangement.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention comprises an inflatable body having a channel defined therethrough with the inflatable body having an upper portion and a lower portion. A steering and propelling system including a motor arrangement adapted to operatively engage with a steering member under the lower portion of the inflatable body, wherein the steering and propelling system permits the inflatable body to be steered and propelled by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the steering and propelling system according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view of the motor arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a steering and propelling system according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the steering and propelling system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the motor arrangement engaged to the bushing according to the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate the sequence of assembling the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the steering member according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a locking mechanism of the motor arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a latching mechanism of the steering member used to engage the locking mechanism of the motor arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the motor arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the alternative embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate the sequence of assembling the alternative embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the inflatable cruising device according to the present invention is illustrated and generally indicated as 10 in FIG. 1. Inflatable cruising device 10 comprises an inflatable body 12 having upper, middle and lower portions 22, 24, 26 as well as an anterior portion 11 and posterior portion 13.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, inflatable body 12 is adapted to operatively engage a steering and propelling system 14 comprising a steering member 16 operatively engaged to a motor arrangement 18 that provides a means for steering and propelling the inflatable cruising device 10 along a body of water, such as a pool. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the motor arrangement 18 includes a motor 28 that drives a propeller 34. In the alternative, the motor arrangement 18 may be a motor-driven propeller, pump, or displacement pump which displaces water or air, or other type of propelling device for driving the inflatable body 12 along a body of water, such as a pool.

Referring to FIG. 11A, steering member 16 is operatively engaged to the motor arrangement 18 through a channel 30 axially defined through inflatable body 12. This structural arrangement of operatively engaging the steering member 16 with the motor arrangement 18 of the steering and propelling system 14 to the inflatable body 12 allows the user to propel and steer the inflatable cruising device 10 along a body of water in a controlled manner.

As shown in FIGS. 6-10 and 15, motor arrangement 18 comprises motor 28 operatively engaged to propeller 34 which is encased in a protective cage 32 for providing a means of propelling the inflatable body 12. In assembly, the motor 28 is encased inside a steering extension 38 secured to a first arm 40. Referring to FIG. 10, first arm 40 is axially engaged to a second arm 41 that houses the various electrical and hardware components of motor arrangement 18. Preferably, the motor 28 is operatively connected to a portable battery source (not shown) for providing power to the steering and propelling system 14. In addition, first and second arms 40, 41 are adapted to be encased in a bushing 20 in a manner that permits arms 40, 41 to be freely rotated therein when the user steers the inflatable body 12 using steering member 16 which directs the propeller 34 in a particular direction.

Referring to FIG. 12, steering member 16 comprises a body 43 having handles 44 secured along opposing sides of body 43 in a manner that permits the user to steer the inflatable body 12 by rotating the steering member 16 in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. In the alternative, the steering member 16 may be a steering wheel, a steering bar, or a panel which is capable of steering the inflatable body 12 by rotating the motor arrangement 18. Preferably, a switch (not shown), is provided along one of the handles 44 which activates the motor 28 and rotates the propeller 34 when actuated by the user which drives the inflatable body 12 along a body of water, while turning the switch again terminates operation of the motor 28 and prevents rotation of propeller 34. Preferably, a display sticker 48 is affixed to the steering member 16 for providing a realistic appearance of a control panel.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the steering member 16 is operatively engaged to the motor arrangement 18 by engaging a locking mechanism 50 provided at second arm 41 to a latching mechanism 52 provided at the lower portion of steering member 16. Preferably, the locking and latching mechanisms 50, 52 are adapted to operatively engage the steering member 16 to the motor arrangement 18 such that the steering member 16 may operate the motor arrangement 18.

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate the sequence of steps that must be performed in order to assemble the inflatable cruising device 10 according to the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the user first inflates the upper, middle and lower portions 22, 24, 26 of inflatable body 12 by inflating each portion through a respective aperture 46 until the inflatable body 12 reaches a suitable state of inflation. The user then inserts the bushing 20 into top opening 60 and through channel 30. Flange 42 is then engaged to the portion of bushing 20 positioned adjacent to the top opening 60 (FIG. 11C) once the busing 20 has been inserted into the channel 30. The motor arrangement 18 is then inserted through the bushing 20 from the bottom opening 62 of channel 30 until second arm 41 engages flange 42 (FIG. 11D). Once so engaged, the user operatively engages the steering member 16 to the motor arrangement 18 as described above (FIGS. 11E, 13 and 14) wherein the latching and locking mechanisms 50, 52 are engaged and the inflatable cruising device 10 is now made operational (FIG. 11F).

Referring to FIGS. 16-20, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is contemplated, generally indicated as 110 in FIG. 16. Inflatable cruising device 110 comprises an inflatable body 112 having upper, middle and lower portions 122, 124, 126 and is sized and shaped to comfortably receive the user in a riding fashion. Preferably, the inflatable body 112 can be shaped to accommodate a prone user, resembling a boogie board, wherein the user's head is located at the anterior portion 111 of the inflatable body 112, while the user's feet are located at the posterior portion 113 thereof.

As further shown, inflatable body 112 has a steering and propelling system 114 extending from the lower portion 126 of the inflatable body 112. The steering and propelling system 114 is disposed inside a channel 130 axially defined through inflatable body 112 having a top opening 160 in communication with a bottom opening 162. In addition, the steering and propelling system 114 comprises a steering member 116 operatively engaged to a motor arrangement 118. Further, the steering and propelling system 114 comprises a steering extension 138 engaged to an arm 166 extending from bottom opening 162 of the axial channel 130. In addition, the steering member 116 includes opposed handles 144 that permit the user to steer and propel the inflatable body 112. Referring to FIG. 18, the motor arrangement 118 comprises a motor (not shown) operatively engaged to a propeller 150 encased in a cage 160.

In assembly, bushing 120 is inserted into the top opening 160 through channel 130. The arm 166 is then inserted through the bushing 120 such that the arm 166 can be secured with a cap 164 which engages a flange 142 of bushing 120. This structural arrangement of operatively engaging the steering and propelling system 114 to the inflatable body 112 through channel 130 allows the user to propel and steer the inflatable cruising device 110 along a body of water in a controlled manner by reaching underneath the inflatable body 112 and grasping handles 144. One of the handles 144 includes a switch (not shown) that permits the user to activate the motor 128 to propel the inflatable body 112 or deactivate the motor 128 to terminate operation.

FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate the sequence of steps to be performed in order to properly assemble the inflatable device 110 according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 21A, after the user has inflated the upper, middle and lower portions 122, 124 and 126 of the inflatable body 112, the user inserts the bushing 120 through top opening 160 of channel 130 such that the flange 142 of bushing 120 abuts the top opening 160 (FIG. 21B). The arm 166 is then inserted through the disposed bushing 120 until cap 164 engages flange 142 (FIG. 21C). Once so inserted, the user operatively mounts the steering extension 138 of the steering member 116 through the bottom opening 162 to engage arm 166 which completes the operative engagement of steering and propelling system 14 with the inflatable body 112. The inflatable cruising device 110 is now operational (FIG. 21D).

Preferably, all embodiments of the inflatable cruising device are adapted for use by children under the supervision of an adult usually in a pool or similar setting. The inflatable body is made from a durable flexible plastic material that permits the inflatable cruising device 10 to be configured in any shape or size suitable for the user to engage in a riding fashion, such as various types and styles of recreational water cruising devices commonly used by adults at a lake or ocean setting.

Preferably, the inflatable body can be shaped to accommodate a seated user, e.g., saddle-shaped, resembling a jet ski. Alternatively, the inflatable body 12 can be shaped to accommodate a prone user, resembling a boogie board, wherein the user's head is located along the anterior portion 11 of the inflatable body 12 while the user's feet are located along the posterior portion 13 thereof.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the inflatable body may be decorated by embossing, painting, or laminating to provide colorful designs and shapes. According to another aspect, a swivel squirt gun may be attached to the upper portion of the inflatable body to allow the user to squirt water. In addition, the inflatable body can be made in animal shapes or in military shapes such as tankers or military aircraft. Other decorative embodiments are also felt to fall within the scope of this invention.

It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and teaching of this invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. 

1. An inflatable cruising device comprising: an inflatable body having a channel defined therethrough; and a steering and a propelling system operatively engageable with the inflatable body through said channel; wherein said steering and propelling system permits said inflatable body to be steered and propelled by a user.
 2. The inflatable cruising device of claim 1, wherein said steering and propelling system includes a steering member operatively engaged to a motor arrangement.
 3. The inflatable cruising device of claim 2, wherein said steering member comprises opposing handles for steering said inflatable body.
 4. The inflatable cruising device of claim 1, wherein said motor arrangement is selected from the group consisting of a motor-driven propeller, a pump, or a displacement pump.
 5. The inflatable cruising device of claim 4, wherein said channel is axially defined through said inflatable body.
 6. The inflatable cruising device of claim 2, wherein said steering member operates said motor arrangement.
 7. The inflatable cruising device of claim 1, wherein said steering and propelling system includes a portable battery source.
 8. The inflatable cruising device of claim 2, wherein said motor arrangement is operatively engaged to a propeller.
 9. An inflatable cruising device comprising: an inflatable body having an axial channel defined therethrough; and a steering and propelling system adapted to operatively engage said inflatable body through said axial channel, said steering and propelling system including a motor arrangement operatively engaged with a propeller for driving said inflatable body, said steering and motor system further including a steering member operatively engaged to said motor arrangement for steering said inflatable body, wherein said steering and propelling system permits said inflatable body to be steered and propelled by a user.
 10. The inflatable cruising device of claim 9, wherein said motor arrangement is in operative association with a portable battery source.
 11. The inflatable cruising device of claim 10, wherein said portable battery source is rechargeable.
 12. The inflatable cruising device of claim 9, wherein said inflatable body had a shape that can accommodate a seated user.
 13. The inflatable cruising device of claim 9, wherein said inflatable body has a shape that can accommodate a prone user.
 14. The inflatable cruising device of claim 9, wherein said inflatable body has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein said steering member extends from the upper portion and said motor arrangement extends from the lower portion.
 15. The inflatable cruising device of claim 9, wherein said inflatable body has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the steering member and the motor arrangement extend from the lower portion.
 16. A method of assembling an inflatable cruising device comprising: a) providing an inflatable body defining an axial channel and a steering and propelling system comprising a steering member and a motor arrangement; b) inserting a bushing through said axial channel; c) inserting a portion of said motor arrangement through the inserted bushing; and d) mounting said steering member to said portion of said motor arrangement in order to operatively engage the steering member with said motor arrangement.
 17. The method of assembling an inflatable cruising device of claim 16, wherein said steering and propelling system has a portable battery source.
 18. The method of assembling an inflatable cruising device of claim 17, wherein said portable battery source is rechargeable.
 19. An inflatable cruising device comprising: an inflatable body having a channel defined therethrough, said inflatable body having an upper portion and a lower portion; and a steering and propelling system adapted to operatively engage said inflatable body through said channel of said inflatable body, said steering and propelling system including a motor arrangement operatively engaged with a steering member under said lower portion of said inflatable body; wherein said steering and propelling system permits said inflatable body to be steered and propelled by a user.
 20. A method of assembling an inflatable cruising device comprising: a) providing an inflatable body having a lower portion and upper portion with an axial channel defined therethrough and a steering and propelling system including a steering member and a motor arrangement; b) inserting a bushing through said axial channel; c) inserting an arm with a cap through said bushing; and d) engaging said steering member with said inserted arm such that said steering member is operatively engaged with said motor arrangement under said lower portion of said inflatable body, wherein said cap on said arm secures the steering and propelling system. 